Headquarters’ News
- Scholars of the 4th World Sangsaeng Forum 2025 Visit the Yeoju Headquarters Temple of Daesoon Jinrihoe
The 4th World Sangsaeng Forum was held on October 24 and 25 at the Daesoon Education Hall of Daejin University under the theme “Reconciliation, Mutual Beneficence, and Religion.” Hosted by the Daesoon Academy of Sciences, the forum was attended by world-renowned scholars such as Professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, Gordon Melton of Baylor University, Livia Kohn of Boston University, Massimo Introvigne, director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), Bernadette Rigal-Cellard of Bordeaux Montaigne University, Ahn Shin, President of the Korean Association for the Study of Religion, as well as various academics from Korea and abroad. Religious figures also participated, including Chang Hsin-Fang, Vice President of Taiwan’s Yu-Shin Shengjiao University, Cheng Kuo-Nan, abbot of Taiwan’s Holy Mother Palace, and Tran Khanh, former president of the Overseas Mission Society of Vietnam’s Cao Dai religion. In addition, Sasaki Kyoko, Deputy Mayor of Kameoka City in Japan, attended the forum as well. The forum consisted of a total of five parts with 15 sessions, featuring 64 academic presentations and in-depth discussions. After concluding the forum at noon on the 25th, the scholars visited the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex of Daesoon Jinrihoe. The visiting scholars joined a dinner prepared by the temple after touring the Yeoju Headquarters Temple. Held at the café lounge on the first floor of the museum, the dinner was attended by approximately 300 guests, including Lee Choong-woo, Mayor of Yeoju, Park Doo-hyung, Chairman of the Yeoju City Council, Na Jong-woo, former Director of the Jeonju Cultural Center, as well as advisory board members, executive committee members, and leaders of the religious order, who warmly welcomed the scholars of the World Sangsaeng Forum. At the dinner, Director Yun Eundo remarked, “Sharing food together is considered the warmest greeting, as it means sharing hearts and continuing the bond of our relationship,” and expressed his hope, saying, “I wish for tonight’s dinner to become a true place of mutual beneficence, where we respect each other’s cultures and share our spirits.” In her congratulatory remarks on behalf of the scholars, Professor Bernadette Rigal-Cellard stated, “This forum was an opportunity to gain spiritual and intellectual nourishment. The traditional Korean wooden architecture of Daesoon Jinrihoe offered aesthetic nourishment, and this dinner is now providing physical nourishment,” expressing her heartfelt gratitude. Director Bae Gyuhan of the Institute for Daesoon Thought said, “It is highly meaningful to discuss how religion, which has long stood at the center of conflict and reconciliation, can realize world peace through the principles of compassion, love, and mutual beneficence.” He added, “Through this forum, I feel that the ‘Sangsaeng Civilization Discourse,’ which the Institute aims to develop for sustainable peace and coexistence of humanity, has been strengthened even further.”
2025-11-15
- Seven Taiwanese Taoist Temples Visit Yeoju Headquarters Temple for the 2nd Korea–Taiwan Religious Exchange
On September 23, a delegation of 45 members from seven Taoist temples in Taiwan—Oilsong Moguang Temple, Dayaa Yingxing Temple, Beigang Wude Temple, Beigang Zhaoqian Temple, Shimen Jingang Temple, Songshan Zhaowu Temple, and Xinhang Fengtian Temple—visited the Yeoju Headquarters Temple of Daesoon Jinrihoe. The purpose of this visit was to promote mutual exchange between Daesoon Jinrihoe and Taiwan’s Taoist temples. During the event, the delegation engaged in various activities, including a temple tour, a visit to the museum, an inter-organizational exchange meeting, a discussion with the Head Administrator, and a welcome banquet, fostering deeper understanding between the two traditions. During the meeting, Temple Master Wu Jin-Lian of Oilsong Moguang Temple remarked, “Each time I visit Daesoon Jinrihoe, I am deeply impressed by the unchanging and continuous dedication to cultivation,” expressing her hope that “through sustained exchange between our two traditions, we can pass down a better environment for cultivation to future generations.” In the welcoming remarks delivered at the banquet, Head Administrator Yun Eun-do stated, “Our order seeks to realize the ideal of Haewon-Sangsaeng by putting into practice three major undertakings. To uphold these religious values in society is an important mission shared by religious communities in both Korea and Taiwan.” He added, “Once the International Training Center currently under construction at the Yeoju Headquarters Temple is completed, it will further expand the opportunities for mutual exchange in practicing these values. I hope today’s interreligious exchange will serve as a valuable milestone in opening the path toward future cooperation.”
2025-09-23
Reasearch Activities
- Hosting of the 5th International Conference on East Asian Religious Culture
On August 28, the Daesoon Academy of Sciences (Director Bae Kyu-han) held the 5th International Conference on East Asian Religious Culture online. Approximately 200 researchers from 49 universities and research institutes across Korea, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, and Germany attended this conference. Held under the theme of "Mutual Understanding and Exchange of East Asian Religious Culture," the event featured 62 presenters and 15 scholars serving as discussants and moderators. The conference facilitated diverse discussions and in-depth debates on East Asian religious culture, covering topics such as Daesoon Jinrihoe, East Asian New Religions, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Folk Beliefs. Meanwhile, scholars including Professor Li Hongjun of Yanbian University and Professor Huang Yongfeng of Xiamen University—who serve as Editors-in-Chief of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences' Chinese-language international journal, Journal of East Asian Religious Culture—expressed their sincere gratitude. They acknowledged the Daesoon Academy of Sciences as a leading international academic institution in the field of East Asian religious culture, particularly for establishing an academic research and international exchange network where young scholars can thrive, and for disseminating those achievements.
2024-08-28
- 2024 International Conference on “Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia” Held by the Daesoon Academy of Science
On June 25, the Daesoon Academy of Science (President: Bae Gyu-han) hosted, with support from the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex of Daesoon Jinrihoe, the “2024 Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia (‘JDTREA’)” International Conference. With participation from over 100 scholars across 15 countries and moderation by world-renowned academics such as Eileen Barker, Bernadette Rigal-Cellard, and Massimo Introvigne, the conference was held under the theme “New Developments in Daesoon Thought & the Religions of East Asia.” From 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the conference featured 12 sessions in which 30 papers were presented, sharing research outcomes that encompassed a wide range of topics and perspectives on Daesoon Thought and the religious traditions of East Asia. Massimo Introvigne, Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions, who served as moderator, highlighted the significance of the event by stating, “The many participants testify that Daesoon Thought is already well known in the international academic community.” In her closing remarks, Professor Carole Cusack of the University of Sydney (Editor-in-Chief of ‘JDTREA’) said, “I was deeply impressed by the high level of scholarly achievement, and I believe this conference will further advance the journal.”
2024-06-25
Charity Aid
- Daesoon International Volunteer Association and Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital Share the Healing Touch of Compassion in Vietnam
From October 9 to 11, the Daesoon International Volunteer Association (DIVA) and Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital conducted medical volunteer services in Van Lang District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam. This volunteer initiative was carried out with the participation of medical staff from Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital, members of DIVA, the Seegene Medical Foundation, local medical personnel, and university student volunteers. The program was supported by charitable medical funds raised by hospital staff, financial assistance from DIVA, and sponsorship from the Daewoo Foundation and the Korean Hospital Association. Medical services were provided at three locations. At the Hoang Viet Commune Health Center, patients received blood and urine tests, ultrasound examinations, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Meanwhile, at Hoang Viet Commune Elementary School and Na Sam Town Elementary School, dental checkups for children were conducted along with fluoride treatments to promote oral health.
2024-10-14
- Speech by the Chairman of DIVA at the Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam officially visited Korea for four days, from June 30 to July 3, at the invitation of Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. This marked the first visit by a high-ranking Vietnamese official since Korea and Vietnam elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2022. The delegation consisted of over 100 individuals, including the Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Planning and Investment, the Minister of Finance, a business delegation, and the President of VUFO (Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations). On the first day of his visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a meeting titled "An Inspiring Gathering with Korean Friends," inviting the heads of approximately 60 organizations, including Korean NGOs active in Vietnam, the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Association, the Association of Koreans Who Love Vietnam, and coach Park Hang-seo. Eight individuals were given the opportunity to speak at the event. Through the consideration of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Yoon Eun-ho, Chairman of the Daejin International Volunteers Association (DIVA), delivered the first speech. Chairman Yoon Eun-ho presented on the topic, "Harmony and Cooperation Between the Republic of Korea and Vietnam Towards a New Era," which received a positive reception at the venue. Subsequently, several media outlets, including Vietnam's state-run public broadcasting, aired reports on the promotion of Korea-Vietnam cooperation, citing the content of Chairman Yoon Eun-ho's presentation.
2024-07-04
Social Welfare
- Moroccan Medical Team Trains on Surgical Robots at Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital
On June 27, three specialists in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology from the Military Hospital Mosque Marrakech in Morocco visited Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital to receive training on a domestically manufactured surgical robot. This training follows the introduction of REVO-I, the first Korean-made surgical robot, at Agadir University Hospital—a Moroccan national hospital—in December of last year. At Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, the Moroccan medical team shared insights on the process of introducing REVO-I and training methodologies, and exchanged opinions on precision surgery, minimally invasive techniques, infection control, and operational convenience.
2024-06-27
- Vietnam PACCOM Visits Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital
On June 3, the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM)—an organization under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam—visited Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital. The delegation included Vu Ngoc Hung, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs (COMINGO), the supervisory body for all INGO-related matters in Vietnam, and concurrently as Vice President of VUFO (Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations), PACCOM’s parent organization; Le Thi Thu Trang, Head of PACCOM’s Asia-Pacific Department; and staff member Mai Thi Hang. They visited Korea to participate in the annual general meeting of the Korea NGO Council, which includes the Daesoon International Volunteer Association (DIVA), as well as to meet with the Daesoon Foundation for Medical Welfare and the Korean Red Cross. During their visit to Bundang Jaesaeng General Hospital, the PACCOM delegation toured the hospital’s medical facilities operated by the Daesoon Foundation for Medical Welfare and discussed plans for a medical volunteer program scheduled to take place in Lang Son Province this October.
2024-06-03
Education
- 'Daejin High School' and 'Daejin Girls' High School' Exchange Ecological and Environmental Knowledge with Mongolian High Schools
On August 26th, the Korea-Mongolia Ecological Environment Exchange Event was held at Daejin High School (Principal Heo Ui-seon) and Daejin Girls’ High School (Principal Kim Jung-nam, who took office on September 1st). The exchange program involved approximately 80 students from eight high schools in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, visiting Daejin High School and Daejin Girls’ High School. The event included presentations by the Mongolian students on the ecological environment of Mongolia and tours of the ecological environment class facilities at both Daejin schools. The celebration concluded amidst great cheers from the students, featuring K-Pop dance performances by Daejin High School, orchestra performances by Daejin Girls’ High School, and various traditional performances by the Mongolian students. When asked by a reporter about the significance of the event, Principal Heo Ui-seon of Daejin High School responded, “I hope that by working on projects with foreign students and meeting them directly, our students will deepen their understanding of other countries.” He added, “Through this experience, I hope Daejin students will personally realize what competencies are required in this global era and strive to acquire them.”
2024-08-26
- Daejin Electronics and Telecommunication High School Holds International Exchange with Japan's Sasebo Technical High School
Daejin Electronics and Telecommunication (Principal Kim Jae-hak) High School hosted an international exchange program from July 9 to 12, inviting 13 teachers and students from Sasebo Technical High School in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The exchange activities included attending major-related classes together, such as Virtual Reality (VR), game production, and design practice. The participants also experienced Korean culture through visits to the Busan Vocational Education Expo, using the Busan City Tour Bus, touring the Port of Busan, and participating in homestays. Moon Sang-geun, the teacher in charge of the event, stated, "We organized the program to help students with different language and cultural backgrounds develop their communication skills and ability to cooperate with one another." He added, "This experience is expected to help them gain an international perspective."
2024-07-13
